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Charter schools provide needed choice

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The Dispatch welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Typed letters of 200 words or
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“Not subject to…public scrutiny of their books,” said a letter from Anita Beck on Feb. 22. “
Charters, vouchers take public funds but aren’t held to account,” read the headline to a March 22
letter from Maureen Reedy. This is nonsense.

A small number of charter-school sponsors are abusing the system, utilizing public money while
providing poor oversight and weak management. Some are engaging in outrageous conflicts of
interest. I’m sure we could all agree that all problem schools, district or charter, need to be
held accountable.

Attacking charters is not the answer.

Parents choose charters for their flexibility. Charters are smaller and more personalized, and
they provide a safe, orderly environment. One-third of charters serve students with exceptional
needs. Parents of these students choose charters because, for one reason or another, their
traditional district school isn’t the right fit for their child.

The fact is, charters are providing a crucial opportunity for public-school choice. Some have
received state awards as “Schools of Promise,” “High Performing Schools of Honor” and “High
Progress Schools of Honor.”

If one takes the time to compare similar schools in similar districts, apples to apples, one
will find that charters often outperform district schools — and do so with fewer resources.
Charters must rely solely on state funds and don’t receive local property-tax funds.

As a business owner, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting charter-student internships and walkabout
programs. Each time, I’ve been impressed by both the school and the students. It’s clear to me they
are doing great work.